Board Corner: April 2025

By Nick Leise, Vice President

An Update from the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is committed to keeping members informed about recent activities and initiatives. By the end of this update, we hope you will not only have a clearer picture of our ongoing efforts but also feel inspired to engage more actively in Co-Op activities and even consider Board involvement.

About the Author

My name is Nick Leise, and I currently serve as the Vice President of the Board of Directors (BOD). I recently completed my first year as a director and, following the most recent Board election, have begun a three-year term. As a member of EEFC for nearly four years, I am relatively new compared to many, but I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve this exceptional organization. It is a privilege to collaborate with our dedicated management and staff to ensure the continued success and growth of the Co-Op.

Board Updates

First and foremost, I would like to recognize our General Manager, Tyler Kulp. One of the primary responsibilities of the Board is to hire and oversee the General Manager, and we are fortunate to have Tyler in this role. His leadership and dedication have been invaluable to EEFC, and we place our full confidence in him as we navigate the path ahead. We look forward to working with Tyler as he leads the Co-Op toward continued prosperity.

In recent months, the Board and General Manager have been working diligently to develop a new Strategic Plan. This plan serves as a guiding framework for the organization, outlining key goals over a designated timeline and establishing milestones to track progress. Some of the primary goals include improving margins and net income, expanding the Café, exploring growth opportunities, enhancing customer service, and investing in the Meade Street location. Members will have the opportunity to review and provide input on the Strategic Plan at an upcoming All Members Meeting (date to be announced). Additionally, a detailed Implementation Plan, developed with the support of a local consultant, will assist the General Manager in tracking progress and providing regular updates to the Board. We anticipate completing the Strategic Plan by early May.

Expansion Efforts

Expansion remains a key topic of interest for our members. With the recent lease extension, we are committed to maintaining our presence on Meade Street. However, the Board remains focused on long-term growth and is actively reassessing what expansion means for EEFC. Given the competitive grocery landscape in Pittsburgh, we are working to refine our approach to real estate decisions while gaining a clearer understanding of financial considerations. Potential expansion strategies include opening a satellite, or second location, or relocating to a larger space. All options remain under consideration. In the meantime, as outlined in the Strategic Plan, Management is dedicated to making ongoing improvements to the Meade Street location to enhance the customer experience.

Opportunities for Member Involvement

For members looking to contribute to the Co-Op, we encourage participation in the Member-Owner Participation (MOP) Committee. Chaired by Board members Mark Bowers and Desmond Zheng, this is the most active member-focused committee, providing a platform for members to share ideas and support the Co-op. With the collaboration of the Marketing & Member Services Department, the MOP Committee meets monthly to discuss member-participation initiatives. Mark and Desmond have done outstanding work in this area and are eager to welcome new participants.

Now is the perfect time to come together, share experiences, and strengthen our community. Food has a unique ability to bring people together, and EEFC is more than just a place to shop for organic products—it is a welcoming environment where connections can be made and conversations can flourish. If you are passionate about the Co-Op’s mission, we invite you to consider joining the Board. Thank you for your support, and I look forward to seeing you in the store and at the next Board meeting.